
Conspiracy 



^ ^otittcfil irri>5cCiu 



Ix Three acts. 



N't".-ir. IHTU. 



riy AV. O. ANDRA^K. 



COPYRIGHT BY THE A UTHOR. 



WA.SIIIN(iTilN, 1). ( '. 

isss. 



-{♦= 



-I- 



CONSPIRACY: 



A Political l^rn^^dg 



In Three Acts. 



Year, 1872. 



By "W. O. J^NJDTiJ^:E 



f 



COPYMIQHT BY THE A VTHOR. 




Washington, D. C. 

1888. 

30 






DRAMATIS PERSONS. 



Horace Greeley, Editor of the Tribune. 

Grace, His Niece. 

La WRIGHT, . Assistant Editor. 

Peter Sturdy, Philanthropist. 

F. C. Clutcher, "I 

> Monopolists. 
H. J. Catcher, J 

Tom Trapper, Heir to a large Estate. 

T. W. Cunningham, .... Politician. 

Attorney. 



l''^P92-008583 



CONSPIRACY. 



ACT I. 
Scene 1. — Office of the Tribune. 

Greeley, Sturdy, Catcher, Clutcher, Trapper, Cunningham, and an attor- 
ney conversing, seated around a large table; Lawright at his desk. 

Trapper (taking the attornev aside). I am very glad, 
Mr. Smart, you have so promptly followed my request to 
be present here at the opening of the will of my late uncle. 
Indeed, I appreciate you as an eminent counsellor. 

Attorney. All my professional ability will be at your 
command. 

Clutcher (joining them). Ah, my friend, how do you 
feel as a prospective millionaire? Let me congratulate 
you on your good fortune as the only heir. 

Trapper. Thank yqu, sir; I am not so sure of that yet. 
My dear uncle ma}'^ have put some of his philanthropic 
ideas into practice to my sorrow. I have brought a friend 
with me here wlio will look after my interCvSt in this mat- 
ter. Allow me to introduce to you my friend and attor- 
ney, Mr. G. B. Smart. 

Clutcher. Precaution is always commendable; but you 
will be sure to come in for the lion's share under all cir- 
cum stances. 

Greeley (tapping on the table). Gentlemen, I have 
invited you to hear tlie reading of the will of our late 
friend Adam S. Goodwill, wlio lias chosen me executor. 



With your permission, I shall now proceed to open and 
read the document. (Reading) : " Whereas, I, the under- 
signed, Adam S. Goodwill, a citizen of New York, have, 
through diligence, hard work, and by the confidence of 
my fellow-citizens, been successful in business, and thereby 
accumulated a large fortune, consisting of real estate and 
bonds to the value of six million dollars, and being desi- 
rous of settling my worldl}^ affairs, declare this to be my 
last will and testament. It is my will and desire to dis- 
pose of said estate in the following manner: Four million 
dollars shall be used to found and to maintain a univer- 
sity in the State of New York, where students can gradu- 
ate free of charge. I devise to my nephew, Tom Trapper^ 
the interest of the remaining two millions during his life, 
and upon the death of my said nephew and his wife and 
children, the said sum to revert to my estate to be used 
for the benefit of said university. 

Trapper (interrupting). It is an outrage. 
Greeley (continuing to read). " I request my beloved 
friend, Horace Greeley, who is also my executor, to read 
this, my last will and testament, in the presence of my 
business friends and associates, so that they may be 
prompted to follow my course, which I feel is the true 
spirit of philanthropy. I am fully aware that it is not by 
my own merits alone, but by the help and confidence of my 
fellow-men, that I have been enabled to accumulate so 
large a fortune, for which reason, I believe, that this prop- 
erty honestly belongs, and should revert to the public for 
the public good. 

" Witness my hand and seal the 1st day of March, 1871. 

"Adam S. Goodwill." 

Trapper. I am the rightful heir, and therefore I pro- 
test against this last will of my late uncle, Adam S. Good- 
will. 



Catcher. Right you are, young man ; protest. Such 
an idea of phihmthropy is too grand. All the money 
earned honestly b}^ one man must be returned to the pub- 
lic in general — what a justice to his heirs. God bless such 
great philanthropists! 

Clutcher. Great fools! 

Greeley. Gentlemen, our late friend, as a noble-hearted 
man and enlightened philosopher, who understood so well 
the spirit of the times, deemed it proper and wise to show 
in fact by his last will, that an individual aided and pro- 
tected in his education and accumulation by society, ought 
for that reason to return a part of his worldly goods for 
the benefit of society. 

Trapper. But I, being the only relative, should natu- 
rally have the right to claim the benefit of his becjuest. 

Clutcher. Certainly; it is every father's ambition to 
accumulate a fortune for his children, thereby securing 
them a higher standing in society. 

Greeley. [*I will say, however, that when a ftither 
starves the intellect of his children, in order to leave them 
a few hundred dollars more wealth at his death, he is 
justly regarded as the most mistaken of misers. No one 
able to earn bread has any moral right to eat without 
earning it ; the obligation to l)e industrious and useful is 
not invalidated by the possession of wealth, nor by the 
generosity of wealthy relatives.] 

Catcher. Now, gentlemen, mark the results of such 
philo.sophy. Tiiis doctrine means putting down all indi- 
viduals to one level; it means death to all efforts in the 
human race. What higher ambition can an intelligent 
worker have than to save from his earnings, grow rich 

*A11 sentences marked [ ] are sayinf^y of Horace Greeley taken 

from his works. 



6 

and be a good citizen? The accumulation in one's hand 
througli large enterprises advances the industry of our 
country. Therefore, a so-called millionaire is always a 
benefactor to society ; he gives work to the poor, and sub- 
sistence to the people in general. 

Glutcher. I don't care a snap for other, people; I will 
make money for my benefit. I want millions, and will 
keep it for my family. I am on this track now, and 
would like to see the man who gets me off. 

Greeley (aside). [The mania for heaping up riches, 
though it has a ver}' material, tangible basis, outlives all 
rational motives and defies all sensible limitations.] 

Sturdy. Gentlemen, I also regard it my duty, like our 
late friend, Adam S. Goodwill, to bequeath to the public a 
part of my property. I will not hesitate to do it at once; 
the possession of wealth imposes duties upon the possessor. 
In the presence of you, my friends, I donate to the public 
the sum of one million dollars, to be used for the erection 
of a brown stone building in the center of our city. Fur- 
ther, one million dollars to constitute a fund for an insti- 
tution of education for our working people, free of charge; 
also a public library and reading rooms. (Turning to 
the attorney ): Mr. Smart, as you ha})pen to be present 
here on this occasion, I wish you would draw up the nec- 
essary document to incorporate this institution. (Address- 
ing the others again): My friends, I began mv business 
life as a poor toiler, thus I know how hard it is to save the 
first thousand dollars; but by good luck I got ahead of 
my laboring comrades, and may be considered now a very 
rich man — indej)endent in society. I never shall forget 
my less fort mate fellow-workingmen, and I am proud to 
be enabled to devote some of my wealth to the benefit of 
the working-people to lessen their struggle of life by 
founding an institution of education, which will, I hope, 
in the future, prove to be a good home for the toilers. 



Clutcher. Another crank ! 

Catcher. Well, well; that is a great idea, to build an 
academy for paupers. 

Greeley. [ I believe that there need be and should be 
no paupers who are not infantile, idiotic, or disabled, and 
that civilized society pays more for the support of able- 
bodied pauperism than the necessary cost of its extirpa- 
tion. Hand and head must work together to accomplish 
great results ; the laborer must be intelligent and edu- 
cated.] 

Sturdy. I want to have it distinctly understood that I 
make this donation to m}' fellow-workingmen for the pur- 
pose of aiding them to better their condition as much as 
possible, while I sincerely hope some future state of soci- 
ety will make millionaires and hopeless paupers an im- 
possibility. 

Catcher (emphatically). That would be communism, 
and you philanthropists are playing with sentiments 
which are dangerous to the safety of our community. If 
the masses ever get an understanding of your philan- 
thropy, societ}^ will turn into anarchy. 

Greeley. [The efficiency of human efforts is enor- 
mously, ruinousl}' diminished by social aiiareliy of to-day. 
Labor should be protected, not merely in this country, 
hut in all countries. The exce.ssive and fatal competition 
of capital with capital, sinew with sinew, privation with 
privation, to excel in cheapness of production, should be 
checked and bounded.] 

Clutcher. Pshaw! ever\^ man for himself, and the 
devil take the hindmost; that is my philosophy. 

Catcher (pathetic). I started in life depending upon 
my own merit only. That I have been successful beyond 
my deserts, perhaps is due to my temperance, industry, 
.and strict attention to mv own business. Since I was a 



8 

youth, I have been in the habit of employing in my 
various enterprises large numbers of persons ; I think, at 
times, as high as fifty thousand, distributing from two to 
three million dollars per month amongst the workers. 
This shows I am quite an expert in industrial affairs, and 
may know something about the social question. I da 
not believe much in theories, but I am practicing national 
economy, and the law of supply and demand is ni}' special 
study. All your philanthropical ideas are only phrases 
which will not enrich the world. 

Greeley. [ Political economy is the science which treats 
of the production and existence of wealth in a community; 
defines what is real wealth, and points out the means by 
which it may be increased and diffused. This science is 
yet in the first century of its recognized existence. It 
opens its eyes upon a world full of absurd regulations, 
vexatious restrictions, and pernicious monopolies, in- 
tended to enrich particular communities at the expense of 
mankind, and particular individuals at the expense of 
their respective communities. These restrictions it very 
properly treats and condemns. Having their origin in 
narrow and selfish views, men aimed formerly to advance 
the interest of a part, to the damage of the whole; of the 
few at the expense of the many. Thus, hostile lo the 
highest and broadest good, they stood condemned alike 
by enlightened policy and b}- a generous philanthropy.] 

Cunningham. Hem, hem ! this sounds more like a de- 
claration of principles of the new ])arty, the newest fad of 
the Tribune. 

Catcher. Yes, yes: that smacks of pure honesty — to 
offset our so-called corruption in political life. 

Sturdy. Every honest man feels disgusted with the 
corruption which predominates in our political partisan- 
ship of to-day. There need be and should be a thorough 
reform. 



/ 



9 

Cunningham. Ha, ha, ha! a new reform-party. 

Clutcher. I don't care about parties; I can buy them 
anyhow. My pohcy is the ahnighty dollar. 

Greeley. [Our forefathers built up this great republic 
to secure to all men alike, liberty and the pursuit of hap- 
piness, yet nine-tenths depend for a livelihood on the 
chance that one or more will at all times be ready to hire 
them or buy of them. One achievement of our age, the 
banishment of human chattelhood from our soil, seems 
now to have been worth all the requisite efforts, the agony 
and blood}^ sweat through w^hich it was accomplished. 
But another reform, not so palpably demanded by justice 
and humanity, yet equally conducive to the well-being of 
our race, presses hard on its heels, and insists, that we 
shall accord it instant and earnest consideration. It is 
the elevation of labor from the plane of drudgery and 
servility, to one of self-respect, self-guidance, and genuine 
independence.] 

Catcher. We are living now in the age of steam and 
iron ; there is no room for vague sentiments. In the 
struggle of life only the fittest will survive, and he, of 
course, is entitled to have the be.st of all good things. I 
regret, and think it is dangerous, that the Tribune, one of 
our most influential newspapers in the country, preaches 
to the masses such maudlin philosophy (with a sneer). I 
can imagine that fame and popularity will be showered 
by the people on the advocates of such broad and insinu- 
ating doctrines. 

Greeley. [Fame is va[)or; popularity an accident; 
riches take wings; the only earthly certainty is oblivion. 
No man can see what a day will bring forth, and those 
who cheer to-day will often curse to-morrow ; and yet I 
cherish the hope, that the journal that I projected and 
established will live and flourish long after I shall have 



10 

mouldered into forgotten dust, and that the stone which 
covers my ashes may bear to future eyes the still intelli- 
gible inscription, " Founder of the Tribune ".] 

Sturdy ( aside ). The discussion is getting a little too 
animated now^ I had better interfere. (Turning to Gree- 
ley.) My dear friend Greeley, I must remind you that it 
is time to go to that meeting where you have promised to 
speak in favor of our new party. 

Greeley. That's so. Gentlemen, you will excuse me 
for leaving, as I will have to address a meeting. (Turn- 
ing to Sturdy.) My friend, will you accompany me? 

Sturdy. Certainly; I am on the committee of arrange- 
ments. 

Greeley (to the others again). I have still the hope 
that you will give the question we have discussed a more 
earnest consideration, to satisfy the wish of our late friend, 
Adam S. Goodwill. 

Attorney. In the interest of Mr. Trapper," the rightful 
heir, and whose legal adviser I have the honor to be, I 
must contest this will, and would ask to have a copy of 
that document., 

Greeley. You may confer with my lawyer, who will 
bring this will before the Surrogate's Court for probate. 
(Going to Lawright, hands him a manuscript.) Mr. Law- 
right, please take this pa})er and see that this platform of 
the Liberal party is published in the next issue of the 
Tribune, and comment on it favorably. 

L.\WRK!HT. Yes, sir; I will. 

[Greelei/ axd Sturdi/ cxen)it.1 



11 

Scene 2. — The Same. 

Clutcher, Catcher, Trapper, Cunnin[/Ita)ii, and the Attorney; LanriijJit 
reading the manmteript. 

Catcher. What fools these mortals be, when tliey be- 
come possessed with the idea of reformino; mankind. 

Clutchek. Even be^'ond the grave phila'nihropy makes 
a show; as, for example, in the case of oar testator, Adam 
S. Goodwill. 

• Trapper. Well, I am determined by no means to give 
up one iota of my natural and prior right to my uncle's 
entire estate. 

Attorney. There never yet was made a will, the valid- 
ity of which could .not be contested. 

Trapper. On what legal points do you entertain any 
hopes? 

Attorney. If I have none, we will make some, my 
friend. I will fix that; come along to my office. 

Trapper. All right; I depend on you in this case. 

[Attoritei/ and Trapper exeuid.} 



Scene 3. 

Catcher, Clidcher, Cnnningliani, Later igld. 

Catcher (speaking to the remaining gentlemen, point- 
ing to the part}' going out). That young Trapper means 
business. Now, my friends, we must take one question 
into earnest consideration, as our friend Greeley said ; but 
not a question of donating a few thousand dollars for phi- 
lanthropic purposes — no, indeed. The question of most 
importance to us at present is, how can we break the 
great influence of the Tribune, which is a too powerful 
instrument for controlling and directing public opinion,* 
and how to crush out that new political party in its in- 



12 

fancy, before it gets too strong. We represent the indus- 
try of our country, and as strict business men we must 
manipulate it so that this government shall guarantee the 
protection of our interests. We cannot afford to be ruled 
by idealistic nonsense of such weak sentimentalists as our 
highly esteemed editor of the Tribune. 

Clutcher. Hush ! don't give yourself away.' The office 
of the Tribune is hardly the proper place for talking over 
this matter, with the assistant editor as a listener. 

Catcher. Do not disturb yourself (speaking low, point- 
ing to Lawright). He will be all right, and by and by a 
tool in my hand, (Louder.) As to this office, I have a 
perfect right to act my own pleasure. Look here (hold- 
ing up some shares, that Lawriglit can see them). These 
shares, the basis upon which this educating newspaper, 
the Tribune, was founded many years ago, were foolishly 
left in the hands of the employees for their sole benefit; 
they ran up (piito high in value, but nevertheless I gath- 
ered them idl in. 1 tell you, it is a mighty good thing, 
this share business; it needs only money and manage- 
ment to get the control ot any concern. 

Lawright (meantime paying close attention to the con- 
versation, aside.) Just what I have suspected. 

Catcher. You will now understand. I have the con- 
trol of the Tribune, and will put a stop to this agitating 
tendency of a newspaper for social reform, universal broth- 
erhood, and other such communistic nonsense. You 
know the press of to-day is a great power — it influences 
and leads the masses; therefore, we might be interested in 
getting this power into our service. 

CuNNIX<iHA^[. Great Scott; what a genius in plotting. 

L.\ WRIGHT (to himself). If old Greeley is to be bounced, 
I must watch my own chances. 

Clutcher. Tliat is all very well: but you cannot i)ut a 
sto}) to the i)en and the mouth of a man like Greeley. 



13 

Cunningham. He is just lecturing now, I suppose, on 
his pet hobby against a second term of our Chief Magis- 
trate. Before I came here, I received a telegram from my 
campaign agents, stating that our friend Greeley will be 
chosen as Presidential candidate of this new Liberal party- 
Clutcher. You don't say. 

Catcher. I rather like that; he may pull down b}'^ his 
own weight. But how can his defeat be most striking? 

Lawright (showing some excitement, suddenly bursts 
out). If the Democrats nominate him also — 

Clutcher. Good gracious! What, by the rebels? That 
certainly would be his defeat forever. 

Law^right. I beg pardon ; I mean to say Democrats, as 
good citizens, would be likely to support such a noble 
character and able candidate as Greeley, 

Catcher (smilingly). Yes, yes, my young friend, if 
you can so bring it about that he accepts the nomination ; 
then, of course, when he goes into the campaign, you will 
be the editor of the Tribune. 

Cunningham (shaking hands with Mr. Lawright). I 
congratulate you. 

Clutchrr (in a low tone to Catcher). You have much 
confidence in that fellow. 

Catcher. Don't you know the old saying? Put a beg- 
gar on horseback and he will ride to the devil. 

Cunningham (turning to Catcher and Clutcher). My 
great influence as a politician, you know, is suflicient to 
lead a part of these good Democrats to set Greeley up as a 
nominee for the Presidency in the coming campaign. 

Catcher. That will be your cue. (Taking his hat to 
leave.) Now, my dear boys, before we depart, let me tell 
you I am very glad we came to a final conclusion to pre- 
vent further spreading of such foolish idealism of these 
infernal communistic doctrines. No such foreign plant 



14 

shall s[)roa(l itself on tlie Anierieaii soil. Ours will be the 
future. 

Clutcher. The nioiiev power must reign. 

[('mtuiiiglict))), Chitclier, a)id Catclwr rxeunt.l 



Scene 4. 

Lairrir/hf In n trouhh'd laood , iralkimj flu' floor, riie<lit<ili)ir/. 

Lawright. Money power! yes; but what of principles? 
By God, shall J forsake good old Greeley, the man of great 
jukI true principles? He has been like a father to me; 
he has intrusted to me the editorship of the Tribune, his 
journal, the proudest product of his energies; and there is 
Grace, his niece, she loves me and has faith and confi- 
dence in me; I know it. Shall I betray them all? Oh, 
no ; I have no such intentions. But the Tribune is under- 
mined — {)Oor old Greeley will lose his hold. What can I 
do about it ? Shall I sacrifice myself for lofty sentiments; 
with which \ have really no sympathy — with nothing 
gained but poverty. (Taking from the desk a slip of 
l)aper, shrugging his shoulders.) There is the platform of 
the Liberal party, which Mr. Greeley gave me to comment 
on favorably. What does it say? There is something 
(reading): '' We are opposed to all further grants of land 
to railroads or other corjiorations." Oh, pshaw ! (throw- 
ing the paper down with a disaj)proving gesture). What 
is this government anyhow but a sal'eguard, ])rotecting 
private enterprises — a stimulant for the interest of busi- 
ness transactions? — where the smartest calculator has a 
natural right, and is perfectly justified in making all he 
can of his chances. Principles arc bat j^hantoms, and utter- 
ly impracticable in the race for position and power I 
Lionel/ rules the world — and I will have it! 



15 



ACT II. 

Scene 1. — Library in Mr. Greeley's Residence, 

GeecJi'ji isittiiKi 1)1/ (I hirgi tahic ; (irarc enters. 

Grace. My dear, good uncle, is it true what I have 
heard, that you will be the candidate for the next Presi- 
dency? Oh, I feel so much worried and troubled about 
it. By running for such a high position there will be no 
end to the antagonistic assaults on your noble character 
from envious politicians ; your kind heart will suffer 
agony from all the cruel adversaries you may have to 
encounter. I am so afraid it is more than you can bear- 

Greeley. You little anxious girl, I do not mind such 
hardships ; any man who runs for a high public office 
subjects himself to a thorough investigation of all his ac- 
tions ; the people have a right to know whether or not his 
characler is free from blemish, and woe to him whose 
record is not spotless. 



Scene 2. — The Former 

LairrigJit enters. 

Grace. Oh, Harry, dear ! I am so glad you have just 
come. Now help me to persuade uncle not to accept the 
candidacy. 

La WRIGHT. My darling, >vhy should I? On the con- 
trary, I think it my duty to urge Mr. Greeley to accept 
the nomination, which will in all probability be offered 
him before long. 

Grace. How uncourteous you are; I wont love you any 
more. 

Lawright. Dear Grace, this is politics, and politics are 
void of all sentiments. 



16 

Greeley (interrupting). Children, don't quarrel about 
"that; I am myself in doubt whether I can consider such a 
proposition. 

Lawright. You must consider it ; the voice of the peo- 
ple is calling you. 

Grace. The people is a great monster without any con- 
sideration. 

Greeley. Your love for me makes you speak thus; 
but, my dear child, the people are everything. 

Grace. Are not the people mostly led by politicians? 

Greeley. [A politician is a quack statesman, cunningly 
■devoted to the promotion of party politics.] 

Lawright (with deliberation). The good spirit of the 
American people is now rising, and will quell all the cor- 
ruptive leadership of truckling politicians. Partisanship 
has had its day. The country wants a change; and every 
citizen knows that Horace Greeley will do the most good 
for the people in the highest position of our glorious 
Republic. 

Greeley. [It is a sophistry which supposes that he 
who would do good must put himself in a position where 
the power to do good will most probably attach to him.] 

Grace. That is just like you ; this is the expression of 
your noble heart. Oh, my uncle, dear, I am so proud of 
you ! 

Lawright. But he who is a true representative of great 
principles — a teacher to the people, must sacrifice all per- 
sonal feelings — overcome untimely modesty — to take the 
leadership when the country appeals to him. 

Greeley. [Men, even the best, are frail and mutable.] 

Lawright. The founder of the Tribune, never. 

Grace. Do not listen to that, uncle. Why should you 
plunge yourself into so much trouble, when you are now 
so comfortable? 



17 

Greeley. Ah, Grace, life is more than meat and com- 
fort. 

A boy enters, hriiKjliuj in (•((vds. 

Greeley (reading). Ah, it is Peter Sturdy and Mr. Cun- 
ningham. (To the boy.) Show them in. 

Lawright. The committee to wait on your decision as 
to the nomination. 

Grace. Alas! I see it coming. 



Scene 3. — The Former. 

Sturdy and Cunningham enter. 

Greeley. Gentlemen, I am pleased to greet you, (shak- 
ing hands with Cunningham). Mr. Cunningham, you 
are cjuite well, I hope? (More heartily greeting Mr. 
Sturdy.) It does one good to shake hands with a trusted 
old friend like you. 

Cunningham (advancing towards Grace), I have some 
good tidings for you, Miss Grace. 

Grace. I am rather doubtful as to your news to-day be- 
ing so agreeable to me. 

Cunningham (speaking low to Lawright). What is the 
matter; did you not succeed? 

Lawright. He's all right. 

Grace (abruptly leaving her chair to greet Mr. Sturdy.) 
My good, dear Mr. Sturdy — 

Sturdy. Do not look so sad, my little girl. (Turning 
to and familiarly putting his arm around Greele}'.) Horace 
Greeley, my dear friend, I come here to-day as a delegate 
of the Liberal Republicans to announce to you a new 
political movement; which has been inaugurated through- 
out the country for the purpose of reforming wanton 
abuses in the management of the government. It is a 
political revolution to elevate our national life and char- 



18 

acter. *The now existing partisanship subjugates public 
opinion by tyranical party-discipline; they are striving to 
maintain themselves in authority for selfish ends by an 
unscrupulous use of the power which rightfully belongs 
to the people. 

Greeley (nodding in affirmative), [It cannot be long 
before the g-reat capitalists, railroad, and other corpora- 
tions, will be found buying up whole States, like sheep in 
the shambles, and all the more disgracefully because the 
law cannot punish it as a crime.] 

Lawkight (low to Cunningham) Say something to that 
effect. 

Cunningham. Our administration has acted as if the 
laws had binding force only for those who are governed, 
and not for those w^ho govern. 

Greeley. [The best form of government is that which 
secures to each citizen equal rights with the freest exer- 
cise of individual liberty- That administration of gov- 
ernment is the best which is least expensive to the citizen, 
and secures tlie greatest amount of prosperity and happi- 
ness to the people]. 

Sturdy\ The National Convention of the Liberal Re- 
publican Party have instructed me to inform you that 
you have been nominated as their candidate for the pres- 
idency of the United States. I submit to you the addresses 
and resolutions unanimously adopted by the convention. 
(Handing him the resolutions). 

Cunningham. No one has so tight a hold on the hearts 
of the people as Horace Greeley, teacher of the highest 
principles, the defender of human rights, who rejects all 
abuses of groveling demagogues, and keeps up political 
integrity as the true statesmanship; therefore, you are, 

*Quoted from the Cincinnati Platform of the Liberal Republican 

Convention. 



I 



19 

with the consent of the majority, selected as the candidate 
for tlie presidency of the United States by all good Dem- 
ocrats throughout the country. 

Lawright. You are regarded as the people's man. 

Greeley. *Gentlemen, I am confident that the Ameri- 
can people have already made your cause their own, fully 
resolved that their brave hearts and strong arms shall 
bear it on to triumph. In this faith, and with the distinct 
understanding that, if elected, I shall be the president, not 
of a party, but of the whole people. I accept your nom- 
ination. 

Lawright (congratulating Grace). And you will be the 
first lad}' of the land ! 

Grace. I am not vain enough for such aspirations. 

Sturdy. We must open the campaign now with all our 
forces, inducing the people at large to support our plat- 
form, that your nomination may be an overwhelming 
success. 

Cunningham. In the coming election I can assure you 
of a Democratic majority. 

Greeley. I propose immediately to take an active part 
in the campaign. I shall face all adversaries by holding 
public meetings. I will implore the American people to 
return to their old dignity in politics. The declaration of 
independence of our nation is the corner stone of liberty 
to the human race. The truth, that all men are created 
equal, is at last acknowledged in the abolition of chattel- 
slavery; but to secure for mankind true liberty and equal 
rights in the pursuit of happiness, all liuman chattelhood, 
caused by monopoly and its corruptions, the power of the 
almighty dollar must be done away with. As progress 
has advanced, it is necessary to amend the laws, to pre- 
vent man from making use of his opp.jrtunities to enslave 

*(Treeley's letter — his response to the official notification. 



20 

.his less fortunate brother, by taking advantage of his 
ignorance and poverty, to make him work as a hand for 
the profit of a master. Each one shall have the fruits of 
his own labor onb/, then the much-praised liberty and 
ha})piness to every citizen, set forth in our constitution, 
will be fulfilled. This is the political wisdom wliich a 
true statesman of our glorious republic shall represent. 

Cunningham (aside). It is a crime to crush such a man. 

Greeley. As I am now a candidate for the presidenc}', 
-and about to take active part in the work for the promo- 
tion of these principles, it will be impossible for me to at- 
tend to my duties as actual chief editor of the Tribune for 
some time. Therefore, in your presence, gentlemen, I 
transfer such duties and responsibilities to my assistant^ 
Mr. H. Lawright. (Turning to Lawright.) You will from 
this day be the editor in charge of my journal, hoping 
that you may be guided by a larger wisdom, a more mi- 
erring sagacity to discern the right, to embrace and defend 
it at whatever personal cost. Be no man's man, but the 
truth's and your country's. (Taking Grace by the hand.) 
Even this, the dearest to me in the world — my little girl^ 
I will entrust to your most tender and faithful care during 
the brief period that I shall be absent in the campaign. 

Grace (throwing her arms around the neck of her 
uncle). What a fate ! 



21 



ACT 111. 
Scene 1. — Office of the Tribune. 

Present — Catcher, Trapper, Clutcher, Cunningham, and LaurigJit, all 
talking and shaking Jiands tvith each other. 

Catcher. Hello, my dear Mr. Trapper; how about your 
lawsuit, concerning the will of your late uncle, Adam S. 
Goodwill? I heard some good news here lately in regard 
to the matter; 1 hope it is true 

Trapper. Very glad, indeed; my lawyer assures me I 
shall undoubtedly gain my rights as the only heir. In a 
few da^^s I shall recover the whole of my late uncle, Adam 
S. Goodwill's estate, valued at six million dollars. 

Catcher. Of course; you engaged the smartest lawyer 
in the country, who put an end to the philanthropic non- 
sense in this will. 

Clutcher. By jove! We have some justice yet in this 
land. (All amused). i 

Cunningham (applauding). Very good. 

Catcher. Well, my friends, we have good cause to con- 
gratulate ourselves in regard to the past campaign, which 
turned into a brilliant victory on our side. The well 
known idealist and would-be social reformer, Horace 
Greeley, as the presidential candidate of this political com- 
bination of Democrats and Republicans, is defeated. This 
gay offspring of a new ])arty had a xevy short existence. 
Its leaders, the good-hearted, but impractical philanthro- 
pists, are now left in the cold to philosophize over their 
grand defeat; but our nominee of the Rejuiblican party, 
the re-elected president, once more rei)rescnts the head of 
this great union. 



22 

Cunningham. Mr. Peter Sturdy, the distinguished phi- 
lanthropist and leading apostle of this defeated new party, 
is now taking a rest at his fine country seat, and Horace 
Greely, by his tremendous struggle for the presidency, is 
a broken-hearted man. 

Catcher. It serves them right, these sentimental re- 
formers, when they are foolish enough to put their fingers 
into our pie. 

Cunningham. Ha, ha, ha! All the talk about political 
reform — the boasting of party purification — is entirely 
hushed. Our political machine worked finely, did it not? 

Clutcher. Because I greased it so well ; it has cost me 
a great deal of money. 

Catcher. Nevertheless we have gained the point. There 
is no sentimentality in our policy; it is only a matter of 
business, and it will pay in full all our investments. 

Clutcher. That is all right; I am satisfied the way 
things are going on now. 

Catcher. From the Pacific coast to the Atlantic shores, 
from Maine to Texas, commerce will flourish, and we be 
benefited more than we ever have dreamed of before, if we 
are smart enough to push in the right direction. As prac- 
tical business managers we must at once take advantage 
of all the natural resources, the products of the soil, and 
wealth in land; we must combine and concentrate busi- 
ness, so that we can control autocratically all commerce 
and industry, Hhh c/pifal irill hecoiiie a giganiic power, and 
we shall reap the full benefit for our administrative talent 
and energies, ])y which we are entitled to become masters 
and actual rulers of society. 

Trapper. But the public will cry out, this is a gigantic 
monopoly, and will cry louder and louder, till at last they 
beoin to kick. 

Catcher. Never mind; the public may try to kick. 

Clutcher. That's all bosh; the [)ublic be damned. 



23 

Lawrigiit. Would not puljlic opinion rebel? It is a 
mighty power. 

Catcher. I suppose so, my young friend; but you, as 
an able member of the press can direct this public opin- 
ion, that its mighty power may serve us. (Taking a let- 
ter from his pocket). I have the pleasure to hand to you 
your aiipointment as editor-in-chief of our journal, to 
which position you have been elected by the new board of 
directors of the Tribune. You will, of course, be hand- 
somely compensated for 3^our able work. It also pleases 
me that I have been charged to transfer to you some of 
our shares. As the editor and a large stockholder you 
will not fail to watch with the greatest interest over this 
organ of public opinion. (Handing Lawright his letter 
of appointment). 

Cunningham (reading the Tribune, suddenly exclaims), 
Look here, gentlemen! there is published in this morn- 
ing's Tribune a card written by Horace Greeley announc- 
ing his return to the paper. What does that mean ? 

Clutcher (to Catcher). Have you not fixed that matter? 

CuNNiNCiHAM. I tliought he was excluded from the edi- 
torship of this paper? 

Catcher. He has excluded himself from that post, 
which you will understand wlien you have read what fol- 
lows next. 

Cunningham. Do you mean the article entitled "Crumhs 
of Comfort r 

Catcher. That's it. 

Clutcher (takes up also a copy of the Tribune). Let 
us see what that editorial says; I suppose it also is com- 
posed by our famous writer — Greeley. 

Catcher (to Lawright). This article shows your very 
clever pen. I was under the impression that Greeley had 
written it — just his vigorous style. 

Lawright. I inserted it to smooth the way, and give 



24 

him a chance to get out of all the trouble in which this 
lamented defeat for the Presidency has put him. 

Catcher (aside). The devil ! how smart. That fellow 
beats me. 

Cunningham (angry). To hell with that old crank, 
Greeley, for publishing such an impertinent article! I am 
not sorry now to have been unscrupulous in my helping 
to defeat him. Here he says (reading): " Every red-nosed 
politician who had cheated at the caucus and fought at 
the polls looked to the editor of the Tribune to secure his 
appointment as a ganger, or as army chaplain, or as Min- 
ister to France. Every campaign orator came upon us 
after the battle was over for a recommendation as Secre- 
tary of the Treasury, or the loan of half a dollar." 

Clutcher (laughing). That's very good ; that's a cap- 
ital joke ! 

CuNNiNCiHAM. That is an outrage, an insult to me, and 
all other politicians as well. Further, he goes on to say 
(reading again) : "At last we shall keep our ofhce clear of 
blatherskites and political beggars." (Throwing the paper 
down.) Now I am satisfied that we luive cleared him out 
of this office. 

Trapper. I consider this article most insulting to his 
own political allies and followers. 

Catcher. The power of his influence over the Ameri- 
can people is ended — he is but a broken man. 

LawriCtHT. But he is quite vigorous enough to make us 
a lively scene here. I expect him in every minute. 

Clftcher (anxious). What; he will be here in a mo- 
ment? 

Lawright (to Catcher). Judging from the note he sent 
me, I anticipate he wants an explanation al)()ut that in- 
serted article, "Crumbs of Comfort." 

Clutcher (reaching for his liat). I rather prefer to be 
on the safe side. Good bye, gentlemen. 



25 

Trapper. I do not like the idea of meeting the old man 
just, now, when I am not prepared to answer all his aggra- 
vating questions about the contest of my uncle's will. 

Cunningham. It might be dangerous for that great 
statesman if I should meet him at this moment. I am 
not sure that I could control my anger, and I would not 
like to kick a man who is already down. 

Catcher. I hardly think I could enjoy an interview 
with Horace Greeley at this time; but I will say this much 
(to Lawright), don't be bulldozed; remember you are the 
chief of this otfice now. 

[ Catcher, Clulchcr, Cunningham, Trapper exeunt.'] 



Scene 2. 

Laicriglit, iritli a look of disgust at the gentlemen going out. 

Lawright. What miserable cowards! They fight for 
Mammon and power, but have not the courage to meet a 
mail. (Repeating Catcher's advice) : " Remember you are 
chief of this' office now." Certainly; I have gained at 
once all my aspirations. But, to face the truth — I am 
only a tool in the hands of these monopolists, to forge 
public opinion in their favor. Thus these clever business 
managers may proceed unmolested in their gambling, 
greedy grabbing, and accumulation of other people's 
money. Must I confront old Greeley? Oh, my God! 
Ha ! would it not be much better for me to tell him the 
whole story? How infamously he has been betrayed? I 
will help him with all my force, in defiance of these foes, 
to unfold, to raise up again his noble banner of principles. 
No, no, it is too late ! the result would only be a fight in 
the dark. The facts are, his paper, the Tribune, is cap- 
tufed, and in a short time the whole press of the country 
will become the open mouthpiece of monopoly. Horace 



26 

Greeley has no more footing in society; no more influence 
on public opinion — a defeated reform President is truly a 
lost man; there is no hope whatever. (Determined.) I 
am the editor of the Tribune — a hireling of these monop- 
olists; but I shall make them pay me well for my services. 
Gradually I shall loosen their grip, and some day be my 
own master. I have grit enough to understand any situ- 
ation. (With a sigh.) Alas! poor Grace; the look of re- 
proach in her soft sad eyes haunts me everywhere. Ah, 
me; pshaw! she is only a woman; temperament like April 
weather — no danger from her. I cannot imagine how she 
could love me anyhow. If I had only something to accuse 
her of; some shadow of a cause for breaking our engage- 
ment; but she is so innocent, so faithful. Good heavens! 
there she comes. 



Scene 3. 

Grace niffrs in great e.rcltemenf. 

Grace. Harry, tell me what is the matter? Uncle is 
wild. This morning, while reading his paper, he sudden- 
ly accused you of overlooking the insertion of a certain 
article in the Tribune, which is slanderous and blacken- 
ing his good name. Oh, say; what does it mean? How 
could you overlook that. 

IjAwright. Oh, I guess your uncle is only nervous; 
affected by his loss of the Presidency. 

Grace. Uncle, nervous? not at all; he is in excellent 
health, in the most animated spirits; he does not mind 
his defeat, and will again resume the editorial control of 
the Tribune. 

Lawright (caustical). He will? 

Grace. Why not? He told me he would speak to you 
about this at once. Surely, he will be here immediately; 



27 

I was so anxious to see you. Say, did you do anything 
wrong? 

LAWRKiHT (aside). How in(|uisitive she is. 

Grace. Oh, Harry; do answer me! 

Lawrioht. I don't know; there may he some diffieul- 
ties arising. 

Grace. How so? 

Laavrtght. Because his defeat for the Presidency may 
somewhat interfere with his assuming the editorship again. 
PubHc opinion, you know, is a fickle, changeable maid, 
always following the train of success. 

Grace (perplexed). Impossible! you did not speak like 
that before; you were the very one to persuade him to ac- 
cept the nomination. Oh, I begin to understand ; my pre- 
monition conies true. Harry, what shall I think of you? 

Lawright (cool). Circumstances alter cases. 

Grace. Mr. Lawright, what are you insinuating with 
such phrases? Am I to ap[)ly this to our relations also? 

Lawright. I should be very sorry to pain you, Miss 
Grace; but we have all to "accept the inevitable. 

Grace. Ah, yes, I see; you have performed some most 
excellent acting to accomplish this. 



Scene 4. — The Former. 

Grech'ii eiitcrs fluirli/. 

Greeley. How glad I am to be back in my old office. 
In this, my editorial sanctum, I have spent the happiest 
days of my life. (Takiiig a seat at his desk.) Now, I will 
resume my old duties, the editorship of the Tribune. Six 
months I have lost, struggling in the Presidential canvass ; 
never again will I be a candidate for any office. My craft 
is the press, and I am convinced that [the press is the 
great ally of human liberty, before which the most im- 



28 

pregnable enemy of the liberties and the happiness of man 
is made to tremble]. As a penniless boy I came to this 
city, founded and built up a daily newspaper, in which 
alone lie all my hopes and ambition. [ My aim was to 
make it a journal that should express its editor's convic- 
tions forcibly and fearlessly, should be liberal without in- 
difference, and open to the reception and recognition of 
truth. I will make this paper now a thoroughly indepen- 
dent journal, treating all parties and political movements 
with judicial fairness and candor, but courting the favor 
and deprecating the wrath of no one] — but the devil I 
(Taking up a paper.) What heinous being could insert 
in this, my journal, such an article, with the caption 
"Crumbs of Comfort," as coming from myself? It is the 
most infernal lie; doing me the grossest wrong. It puts 
me in a false light, as though I could insult the public 
and my best friends. 

(Lawright making a motion; Greeley then just noticing 
Lawright's presence). 

Greeley. Ah, Mr. Lawright; I sup])0se you received 
my note about the repudiation of this infamous article, 
" Crumbs of Comfort." How could such an insinuation 
creep into our last issue without your knowledge? [This 
article is a monstrous fable, based on some other experience 
than that of an}^ editor of this journal]. I want my dis- 
claimer printed at once, to justify myself against such in- 
famy. 

(Lawright, shrugging his shoulder, gives no answer.) 
Greeley (impatient). What is the matter with you? 
Can you not understand? I am obliged to defend myself 
against the insinuation of this miserable wretch, who has 
dared to blacken my good name before the public. 

( Lawright shrinking, almost overcome by the reproof.) 
Grace (anxiously observing Lawright's expression, 



29 

aside, uttering with a low cry). Good God! he is the 
-author of this hideous article; now I despise this man. 

Greeley (suspicious). I ask you for an answer. 

Lawright (cool). I must refuse to insert your dis- 
claimer. 

Greeley. What? did I hear you right? you say you 
refuse. I demand, as the editor-in-chief, that my orders 
be obeyed. You will understand that. 

Lawright. You luive been the editor; at present, lam 
the cliicf of this office. (Handing to Greeley his letter of 
appointment.) This will inform you of the position I 
now occupy. 

Greeley (glancing over the letter, reading) : "Mr. H, 
Lawright, the board of trustees of the Tribune concern in- 
forms you that you are unanimously elected the editor-in- 
chief of our daily journal, the Tribune." (Greeley stag- 
gering; forcibly collecting himself, exclaiming): Who are 
those trustees; who have signed this letter? (Looking at 
the signatures) — T. C. Clutcher, H. J. Catcher — (Dropping 
the letter.) What a terrible blow! These monopolists- 
these money-mongers; have laid a most fiendish trap to 
undo the good work of a whole life's energy; they have 
robbed me of the Tribune — the pride of my life; the fruit 
of my labor. Now I understand. The Tribune, my jour- 
nal, was an obstacle in their way. [They have an in- 
stinctive terror of a free, virtuous, able, and independent 
press ]. Oh, the high, noble principles of liberty, equality 
and brotherhood ; the fundamental guarantee for the hap- 
piness of every human being will be trodden down by 
these worshippers of the golden calf. The education and 
elevation of the working masses, which I have so earnest- 
ly endeavored to advocate in the Tribune, will relapse 
into silence. The American laborer icill become a white 
Ham in tJte clutcJi of these soulless corporations — a mere sub- 



30 

jed to fatten their interest. Alas! and I am the victim of a 
most cruel conspiracy. I now realize the fact that I am 
deposed from the control of the Tribune — my paper; my 
own work; my heart and soul was in it (Dropping help- 
less into a chair.) 

Grace (running towards Greeley). Merciful God! my 
uncle! 

Greeley (muttering). The country is gone! the Trib- 
une is gone! and I am gone! 

Grace (bending over him in great distress). He is 
dying! (After a while, rising to her feet, pointing to Law- 
right with utmost contempt.) Murderer! 



J-'BRARY OF CONGRESS 

016 102 188 A " & 



